Opioid addiction has become a pressing concern in the United States, with Georgia being no exception. In 2022, over 80,000 people lost their lives to opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 That’s 80,000 lives—friends, family members, loved ones—gone too soon.
Learning how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and knowing what to do in an emergency can truly save lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid abuse, professional help is available. At ALANA Recovery, we offer outpatient plans for opioid addiction treatment tailored to support recovery in a compassionate and supportive environment. Contact us today to take the first step toward healing.
What To Know About Opioid Abuse
Opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone and morphine, along with illicit substances like heroin and fentanyl, are highly addictive. These substances work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain, but they also create feelings of euphoria, which can lead to misuse. Opioid abuse can deeply impact the brain, making it harder for people to function without the drug and increasing the risk of overdose.
The opioid epidemic continues to bring devastating news, especially with the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Since 2013, overdose deaths linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMFs) have surged. Fentanyl has become a major driver of this crisis. Between 2021 and 2022, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids—excluding methadone—rose by about 4%, highlighting just how urgent this issue remains.1 According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), among people aged 12 or older in the United States, 5.7 million had an opioid use disorder in the past year.2
What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?
Recognizing the signs of opioid abuse is the first step in addressing the problem. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek help:
- Physical changes – Drowsiness or frequently “nodding off,” noticeable weight loss, and recurring flu-like symptoms are common signs
- Behavioral changes – Failing to fulfill important obligations in professional, personal, or educational settings, participating in dangerous activities like driving while impaired, and undergoing shifts in social relationships or withdrawing from family and friends
- Psychological symptoms – Increased anxiety or depression, mood swings, and cognitive issues like forgetfulness or confusion
Recognizing these signs early and seeking treatment can prevent the more dangerous consequences of opioid abuse, including an overdose.
What Are the Symptoms of Opioid Overdose?
An opioid overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed by the drug, causing life-threatening symptoms. Overdoses are often accidental and can happen to anyone, including those prescribed opioids for pain management.
Key symptoms of opioid overdose include:
- Difficulty breathing – Slow, irregular, or shallow breathing accompanied by gasping or choking sounds—also known as the “death rattle”
- Unresponsiveness – Unable to wake up or regain consciousness, even when shaken
- Physical signs – Blue lips or fingertips, pinpoint pupils, and cold, clammy skin are signs of oxygen deprivation
If you observe these symptoms, it’s essential to act immediately. Time is critical during an overdose, and knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death.
How Do You Handle Opioid Overdoses Safely?
Witnessing an overdose can be overwhelming, but taking swift action can save a life. Here’s what to do if you suspect an opioid overdose:
- Call 911 immediately – Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including the suspected substance and the individual’s condition.
- Administer naloxone, if available – Naloxone (brand name Narcan®) is an opioid antagonist that can temporarily reverse an overdose. It’s available over the counter in most states and is easy to use as a nasal spray or injection.
- Perform rescue breathing or CPR – If the person isn’t breathing or their heart has stopped, start rescue breathing or CPR until emergency responders arrive.
- Stay with the person – Remain with the person and monitor their breathing and responsiveness. They may need additional doses of naloxone, as its effects last much shorter than opioids like fentanyl.
While these steps can help in an emergency, the ultimate goal is to address the root cause of opioid abuse through comprehensive addiction treatment.
How Opioid Addiction Treatment Can Help
Recovery from opioid addiction is challenging but entirely possible with the proper support. At ALANA Recovery, we offer outpatient programs in Georgia that include evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and support groups to help patients heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Therapy and Counseling
Individual and group counseling sessions help uncover the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT uses medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier to focus on recovery.
Relapse Prevention Strategies
Our team teaches skills like stress management, problem-solving techniques, and building support networks to maintain long-term sobriety.
Recovery is a lifelong journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With personalized treatment plans and compassionate care, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Take Action Today With Help From Alana Recovery
Knowing how to recognize opioid overdose symptoms and take action can save lives—but the best prevention is addressing opioid abuse before it escalates. At ALANA Recovery, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey to sobriety. Reach out to our team online or call 770.759.7474 today.
Footnotes:
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic.” Accessed March 13 2025.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Accessed March 13 2025.